idiotic

adjective

id·​i·​ot·​ic ˌi-dē-ˈä-tik 

variants or less commonly idiotical

ˌi-dē-ˈä-ti-kəl 

1

: showing complete lack of thought or common sense : foolish

an idiotic question

found his excuses idiotic

2

dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below : characterized by extreme intellectual disability

idiotically

ˌi-dē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

smiled idiotically

Usage of Idiotic

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives, such as idiotic, were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

Examples of idiotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Too many young people are making idiotic short-term financial decisions that hamper long-term success. —Chandler Dean, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2023

Beyond the Lungs Two other cardiac cases impressed me — and blew away the idiotic notion that young people are immune to COVID-19. —Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2020

Taking money from the IRS — the agency responsible for collecting the money that funds the government — would be an idiotic move. —Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 13 Jan. 2023

Mötley Crüe are by now legendary for their idiotic courtship with violence and the Grim Reaper. —Dean Kuipers, SPIN, 8 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

idiotic

adjective

id·​i·​ot·​ic ˌid-ē-ˈät-ik 

: showing complete lack of thought or common sense : foolish

idiotically

-ˈät-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb